Shingles

What is Shingles?

Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a common viral infection of the nerves, which results in a painful rash or small blisters on an area of skin anywhere on the body.

What are the Symptoms of Shingles?

Symptoms may include:

• Skin sensitivity, tingling, itching, and/or pain in the area of the skin before the rash appears
• Rash, which appears after 1 to 5 days and initially looks like small, red spots that turn into blisters
• Blisters typically scab over in 7 to 10 days and clear up within 2 to 4 weeks

How is it Shingles Treated?

Shingles has to run its course, because there is no cure for the disease. Treatment usually focuses on pain relief. Treatment may include painkillers to help alleviate some of the pain and antiviral drugs to help lessen some of the symptoms and minimize nerve damage.